Scheduling?

Today was the last full day of school before the break. Charlotte said she watched movies in every class or read her Stephenie Meyer novel, as they were allowed to, if the movie was not of interest. Olivia's class had a party. Avery's class had a substitute because his teacher already left for South Africa. I worked out in morning and then met Josh at home for lunch.

In the end we decided it was more relaxing to stay at home than go out for the Thai massage and be rushed to get the kids at school. More relaxing to relax than get a massage, you say?!? So, we hung out and organized ourselves for our trip. I can't remember EVER packing for a vacation earlier than the day before departure. Of course, packing for our move to Rome does not count -- this is life; not a vacation!

I have to admit, I am beginning to feel totally at ease here. I'm not fearful of communication, or attempts at speaking Italian. I am truly enjoying the (slow) pace of life. A workout or a visit to a new place or monument, and a trip to the grocery store before picking the kids up and making dinner is a full day.

Josh took Charlotte and Olivia to swimming tonight. Josh was on a mission to find out from Charlotte's swim coach, Luca, what the schedule would be for meets in January and February. We've wanted to book our February ski week but not at the expense of Charlotte missing a meet...so we've been waiting for some news of a schedule. Here's what Josh found out:

1. There is a meet the team is going to in Grosetto on Jan 8, 9 and 10, but it is a club policy that athletes who have not participated in at least three practices in the week preceedeing a meet may not attend. Since we will not be returning from Egypt until Jan 7th, Charlotte will have to skip this meet. Josh appealed to Luca for an exception to be made since the meet is being held right after the holidays. He also mentioned that Charlotte can swim while we are away -- especially the second week. Luca said he'd have to take it up with the team director.

2. The meet other meet in January will be January 23rd at AquAniene (unclear whether this is a one day or two day meet)

3. The only meet in February will be the last weekend, Feb 27 and 28.

I am memorializing this information now, just so we can see how much it will change. But since we will now proceed with booking our ski week, I hope there will be no change to the February dates.

Meanwhile, after dropping the girls off, Josh went to pick up a gift certificate for Olivia's swim instructor. We had already given gift certificates to Charlotte's coaches. When Josh came out of "The Notebook" book and DVD store, both car doors were open and the windshield wipers were askew! He panicked thinking someone broke into our car...what had he left inside? As it turned out though, Josh had inadvertently parked in front of a garage entrance. Probably, the pissed-off tenants, trying to gain access, opened the doors to see if the key was left in the car or if they could put it in neutral and push it out of the way?? And, since they were angry, they likely damaged the windshield wipers along the way. Nothing was stolen. Josh said it was dark and rainy and he didn't see the sign posted. An innocent mistake.

The four of us sat down for dinner -- Olivia for the second time tonight -- bucatini bolognese, a kid favorite. Josh and I enjoyed some Dolcetta d'Alba with our pasta.